Moving a Refrigerator Category: Moving Tips
 
Posted By:
Jeremy
6/30/2009
09:11 AM

Refrigerators are expensive. If you’re moving one, you want to make sure you do it right to keep it from getting damaged. 

Here are some great tips for moving your refrigerator safely:

Preparing your refrigerator to move

  • Turn it off. 24 to 48 hours before your move, turn off and unplug the refrigerator according to the refrigerator instructions. (Be especially careful if you have a water/ice dispenser – the water will need to be turned off and the water line disconnected.)
  • Empty and Clean it. Empty the contents and thoroughly clean and dry the defrosted refrigerator.
  • Stop the odor. Leave the doors open for several hours after defrosting to avoid mildew and a musty odor (you might even put an open box of baking soda inside to help with odors).
  •  Pack the pieces. Remove shelves, bins and any other loose parts, wrap any glass or fragile pieces with bubble wrap and pack them separately.
  • Secure for moving. Tape the doors shut, tape the cords to the back with packing tape and remove the toe board.

Loading your refrigerator

  • Use an appliance dolly. It will make moving big appliances much easier. 
  • Avoid laying the refrigerator on its side. When the refrigerator is on its side, the oil in the compressor can flow into the cooling lines. Then, when you turn it upright, the oil may not completely drain from the cooling lines and keep the refrigerator from cooling. Not good!
  • Wrap it. Wrap the refrigerator in furniture pads to avoid scratches.
  • Load it. Your refrigerator and other large appliances should be loaded into the moving trailer or moving container first.
  • Secure it. Tie your refrigerator down with moving straps or rope to keep it from shifting in transit. 

More to come about moving other appliances like your washer, dryer and electric or gas range.



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Comments
Name: Nora Krischel
Date: 7-11-2009
How much it will cost me if I will ask for help to pack my thing because I!m by myself, I! a widow
Name: Jeremy
Date: 7-13-2009
Nora,
Please call us at 800-413-4799 and we will gladly give you a
free moving quote. If you need help just with your packing and loading, Moving Staffers is a great packing and loading company to check with. You can reach them at 1-888-409-6617.
Name: David Thompson
Date: 8-5-2009
I’m concerned about moving a refrigerator and putting it in storage. It has water & ice in the door and when I disconnect it from the water line, how do I get the water out of the inside of the refrigerator line so it doesn’t get mold/mildew in it?
Name: Dan Erskine
Date: 8-5-2009
After laying a refrigerator down for a move. Should you let it stand upright for a day or more so the oil can drain from the lines? Is there a limit on the length of time a fridge could stay laying down for a move. Would 6 hours be too long?
Name: Jeremy
Date: 8-6-2009
Dan,
Its best to avoid laying the refrigerator on its side to avoid the oil getting in the lines. I suggest checking with the manufacturer of the refrigerator.
Name: Jeremy
Date: 8-6-2009
David,
If you still have the instructions that came with your refrigerator, it should tell you the best way to disconnect and drain it. If you are missing the instructions, I've found the Appliance411 website to be helpful. http://www.appliance411.com/links/Appliance_Brands/
Name: Abby
Date: 10-9-2009
In order to prevent the musty smell, what can I put inside a refrigerator that’s going to be stored for a year?

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